I write to let you know
of recent decisions regarding the college’s Center
for Early Childhood Education (CECE) at Fort Hill.

Having considered the
recommendations of several committees, as well as those
voiced by faculty, staff and parents in open forums
and letters, the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation
(ACRA) made the following recommendations to President
Christ, which she has endorsed.

The
program will be maintained at its current size,
providing there is sufficient demand. The number
of schedule options will be narrowed, with emphasis
placed on full-week schedules ending at 3:15
p.m. and 5 p.m., since those are in greatest
demand among Smith faculty and staff. An
announcement of new schedule options will be
made in the next month.

Smith
families will receive priority in the enrollment
process. Non-Smith families will be admitted
on a space-available basis. We have every
expectation that children of non-Smith families
who are currently enrolled at CECE will be able
to continue in the program. However, the half-day
option will be more limited than in the past.

Under
a revised fee schedule, to be announced at or
before the usual time, anticipated revenues from
non-Smith families will be sufficient to cover
the direct cost of their enrollment in the program.
A committee will be formed to investigate the
possibility of implementing a sliding fee scale
for Smith employees in the coming years.

The
college will continue the current tuition subsidy
for Smith families. However, because
IRS regulations limit tuition subsidies, there
will be tax consequences for Smith employees. The
committee that investigates a sliding fee scale
will consider how the subsidy will be provided
in future years.

In addition, the college will construct a new facility
for the program on the Fort Hill site. A program committee
with parent, faculty and CECE staff representation
will work with the college’s facilities staff
and architects to develop the recommended program for
the new building. We expect the new facility to
be in operation by September.